The Arabs watched the Breezy put to sea to the nor'ard. They had counted every man and officer who went on board, then they sighed sighs of relief, and thanked Allah that the villainous Britons had gone.
But one thing none of them had noticed, for when night had fallen, and the Breezy was opposite a wooded point of the island, she was stopped.
A light was flashed over her side just once, and presently out from the dark forest shadows stole a tiny black out-rigger boat, and was rowed silently across the star-lit sea, till she reached the ship's side.
"Good-bye, dear lad; good-bye, and Heaven bless and keep you."
It was Kep whom the officers were saying farewell to and seeing over the side.
He was an adept at disguise, and now it seemed no longer Kep that was standing among the officers, but a very handsome Arab boy. He had even stained his feet, legs, arms and face an olive tint. He wore sandals on his feet, a little turban on his head, and carried a spear.
It was McTavish himself that spoke the last farewell.
"Take care of yourself, boy," he said. "May God bring you safe back to us. Good-bye."
And waving a salute, Kep passed silently over the side, and the ship went on.
CHAPTER XII